Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)&

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

A Holistic Analysis Process of LEED

Another valuable presentation from the world’s leading

green building network:

What are EPDs?

• Life-cycle based eco-labels that disclose environmental performance and impact.

• Related to several ISO standards.• Third party verified by product manufacturers.

Most importantly, EPDs allow for easy and fair comparison of products through an environmental impact lens.

Also referred to as “cradle to cradle assessment”…

…but not to be confused with C2C Products Innovation Institute

Certification

Steps to Building an EPD

Photo source: Elixir Environmental

How does EPD relate to LCA?

• LCA is used to determine an EPD. • It effectively measures a product from it’s

inception to disposal, tracking the environmental impact of each activity and throughput.

The term “life cycle” refers to the notion that a fair, holistic assessment of raw-

material production, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal including all intervening transportation steps necessary

or caused by the product’s existence. -LCA Wikipedia page

What Does LCA Measure?

• Broadly:– Climate change– Ecosystem quality– Resources– Human health

• BREs (type of LCA) examine more deeply:– Acid deposition, human toxicity to air, fossil fuel

depletion & much more

Photo source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Measuring LCA

Product Category Rules (PCR)

• NSF Definition: a set of specific rules, requirements & guidelines for developing Type III environmental product declarations (EPDs).

Product Category Rules (PCR)• PCRs typically require data bout the consumption of

resources, including– energy – water – renewable resources

• PCRs also require data on emissions to – air – water – soil

Example PCRs

• Flooring• Flat glass• Residential countertops

If a PCR does not already exist, you can create one by performing and reporting the LCA and

subsequent EPD to a third party reviewer.

Resources for PCR Development

• Environdec.com• ULEnvironment.com• GEDnet.com• IBU.com• NSF.com

LEED v4 brings changes to EPD & LCA as they relate to green building projects.

Changes from LEED 2009

• Revised credits– Storage & Collection of

Recyclables– Construction & Demolition

Waste Management

Changes from LEED 2009

• New credits– Construction Demolition &

Waste Planning– Building Product Disclosure &

Optimization• Environmental Product

Declarations• Raw Materials Extraction• Material Ingredient Reporting

Interested in the full version of the LEED continuing education presentation?

In addition to an in-depth case study, you’ll learn insight into the v4 credit changes.

Want to learn more about green building & connect with other environmental &

LEED professionals?

Become a free member of Poplar Network today!